Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we are aware, paramilitary groups are still involved in drug dealing. I understand from some media reports that drugs are travelling from Dublin to east Belfast and drugs are coming from the North into our jurisdiction. Drug trafficking is not what it was ten years ago. The continuing development of new drug trafficking networks causes havoc and destruction and destroys the lives of good young people and people of all age groups. Of course, we have some biggest crime gangs in Europe in our country.

There needs to be a huge concerted and intensified effort to deal with these issues. At the most recent joint policing committee meeting we had in County Cavan, An Garda Síochána gave a very good report on the detection and seizure of drugs, which was very welcome. It shows the growing prevalence of these illicit products in our society, however.

I appeal that when the Estimates process begins, which I assume will be in the autumn, the Minister wil give consideration to providing greater resources to the different Garda drug units throughout our country. I am particularly interested in the Garda divisional drugs unit in Cavan-Monaghan getting additional resources to deal with what are, unfortunately, increasing problems. I compliment the members of An Garda Síochána and also the PSNI on their ongoing work in trying to deal with these very complex issues.

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